Flexible Tray or Mat with Universal Application

ABSTRACT

A conventional utility tray or mat is typically a solid object of hard plastic or metal. The present invention is a flexible tray or mat object, permitting the tray or mat to be form fitted to the enclosure or container, and removed by being folded or rolled up, so as to enable effortless removal of the mat or tray, while continuing to contain any objects or fluids that were within or on the tray or mat. Additionally, even when placed on a non enclosed solid surface, the flexible character of the invention allows it to be folded or rolled up and removed, while continuing to contain any objects or fluids that were within or on the tray or mat.

PRIOR PROVISIONAL PATENT NUMBER

EFS ID 38546431; Application No. 62,972,559; filed Feb. 10, 2020, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present application relates to a utility mat, or tray in particular with a multi purpose usage.

BACKGROUND

An ordinary utility tray or mat is rigid and inflexible, and can only be fitted to enclosures or containers of corresponding size, or with an entry large enough to accommodate the tray or mat from its corresponding enclosure or container problematic, and creates heightened risk of dislodging any contents contained within the perimeter of the tray or mat. A need exists for to flexible tray or mat, that can be rolled or folded for entry and egress, and form fitted to an enclosure or container, that will eliminate these vexing problems. The advantages of a flexible mat or tray are not lost even when being used on a flat surface, such as a table top.

SUMMARY

By providing a utility tray or mat that provides a leak resistant one piece unit, having elevated side walls to secure contents contained within the area circumference of the tray or mat.

The utility tray or mat provides multi sizing, and multi shapes, consisting of elevated outer edge side walls of a specified width, and holes from the top edge through the vertical side wall.

The embodiment of the tray or mat lies flat against the surface it is designed to protect the contents from being contained within the perimeter of the utility tray or mat from dislodging or seeping through the one piece utility tray or mat.

The embodiment of the underneath portion of the tray or mat provides vertical supporting on the outside edge, and the inside vertical edge closest to the tray or mats adjacent to the recessed flat area of the mat.

Within the side wall are vertical holes for purposes of attaching the tray or mat to a fixed object to secure placement, and reduce mobility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a tray or mat to a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a tray or mat to a second embodiment, and

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a tray or mat to a third embodiment, and

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a tray or mat to a fourth embodiment, and

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a tray or mat to a fifth embodiment, and

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a tray or mat to a sixth embodiment, and

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a tray or mat to a seventh embodiment, and

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a tray or mat to an eighth embodiment, and

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a tray or mat to a ninth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Preferred and alternative apertures, or embodiments of the present invention are described in the following detail below with reference to the following drawings. These drawings are examples only, as a finished product can be a circle, square, rectangle, oval, or any other shape that may be necessary or desirable, The invention has a flat surface on the interior, and side edges, or walls, which can be vertical or angular, as depicted, and of any desired height and width, around the perimeter of the mat enclosing all four sides of the interior, and having an embedded cylinder (hole) for attaching the invention to a fixed object. This prevents items on the mat from falling, rolling off, getting lost, and most importantly, when rolled or folded up, contains the contents of the mat or tray when it is being removed from a customer or enclosure and also prevents leakage of any fluid or viscous contents contained within the tray or mat.

FIG. 1 Is a perspective top sided view of the mat, showing the top edge containing symmetrically placed holes, along the outer perimeter of the present invention of the mat.

FIG. 2 Is a perspective top view of the mat at an angle, showing the side edge along the outer border walls of the present invention of the one piece mat.

FIG. 3 Is a top view of the mat showing the top edge curvature in the corners of the one piece mat.

FIG. 4 Is a side view showing the inverted opening from the underside of the mat allowing the opening to allow structures to fit within the opening for securing cord, zip ties, nuts, threading or any method chosen to feed up through the holes allowing the mat to be secure and stabilized to a fixed location.

FIG. 5 Is the side view of the outer perimeter edge showing the extension from the underside providing the support to hold the side wall.

FIG. 6 Is the side wall view from the outer perimeter showing the exterior from the top edge to the lower edge of the mat.

FIG. 7 Is a perspective top sided view of the mat, showing the corners of the mat as another design, comparing to the curvature of the one piece mat.

FIG. 8 Is a side view showing the inverted opening from the underside of the mat with the placement of the holes to allow structures to fit within the opening for securing cord, zip ties, nuts, threading or any method chosen to feed up through the holes allowing the mat to be secure and stabilized to a fixed location.

FIG. 9 Is the skeleton view of the outer wall showing the width of the top edge allowing the cylinder, or holes to be open from the top edge of the mat straight through to the underside of the mat.

SPECIFICATION AND DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention has a flat surface comprising its interior, and side edges, or walls, which can be vertical or angular, and of any desired height and width, around the perimeter of the mat, this enclosing all four sides of the interior, as depicted on the exemplar drawings. The tray or mat sizing and structure composition can change depending on the size requirements, need for structural support of the side wall, and thickness of the mat materials used. The inside base of the mat is flat to lay against the surface it is to protect.

The most important aspect of the instant invention, and which sets it apart from previous inventions, iso that the composition of this invention is from a food grade (if required), or non food grade, non rigid, silicone rubber or other pliable product, with structure, dimensions, and mobility to conform to the needs the tray or mat was intended for—be it laying on a flat surface as a protectant, or conforming to an enclosure or container. The unique flexibility of the mat allows it to be conformed to enclosures or containers of a different dimension than the mat, and allow it to pass through entry and egress apertures smaller than the dimension for the invention, a feat impossible for prior inventions. In such a use, the sides of the mat or tray would be pulled toward the center, using the side walls to retain and hold debris, then the mat or tray is removed or extracted from the opening. An example of where the characteristics of this invention will be particularly useful are extractions from the door of animal cages. Pet taxis, crates, and any place that the mat is used which is required to be cleaned regularly. The unique characteristics of the invention make daily clean up or sterilization quick and easy.

The invention can be manufactured by injection molding in the usual manner from a model, or by 3D printing. The side walls of the invention may contain spaced holes on all sides as desired and depicted in the drawing to allow for affixing the mat or tray to a surface or enclosure of container, such as by threading a cord, twine, zip tie, or similar, or for attaching other fasteners to hold the invention in place, such as velcro, snaps, grommets, magnets, nuts, bolts, screws and nuts, eyelets . . . anything used to secure or clamp the invention in a stable position. The aforesaid holes are functionally described as a hollow, vertical, cylinder of varying dimension as required, and may be created in the mold during manufacture, or by the end user as needed after manufacture. The silicone or pliable material makes it possible to manufacture the invention in a wide variety of colors or patterns including, but no limited to, bright primary colors such as red, blue, yellow, orange, purple, green, pink, teal, pastels, tan, brown, black, or white, or any designs like tie-died, designs, prints, camouflage, or any other combination created.

The invention is mobile, lightweight, and can be transported easily. The invention may be used any place where multiple pieces of any size, that fin within the dimensions of the mat, such as small components, parts, pieces, supples, needs to be contained from loss or misplacement, or the need to contain fluid leakage.

The invention can be used as a buffer/barrier, or an external preventative measure used to protect surfaces below the mat. Examples of items the invention can be used to protect are table tops, shelves, flooring, carpet, bed, car, or any place a surface could get damaged from spills, liquids, food, pet dander, pet weight, or continuous use in a space needing protection from and external source that can abrade, burn, scratch, or otherwise damage it. The invention when used for this purpose is acting as a buffer and barrier while containing whatever is placed within the confines of the mat, simultaneously offering protection to the surfaces below it, and securing items within the mat.

The invention can be easily cleaned; its non rigid structure allowing it to be cleaned in sinks and containers smaller than the invention, with warm soap, water, or a water soluble sterilizing product.

Examples of potential users for the invention include, but are not limited to, artists, architects, barbers, beauticians, camping, children, crafter's, drafters, hobbyists, electronic manufacturing and repair, fishing, hobbyists, horticulture, hunting, kitchen, mechanics, medical, pet beds, pet crates, pet taxis, pet shops, picnics, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, kennels, pet shops.

Pets

Aquarium mat (un der aquarium, protect tables, cabinets, furniture, from spills; bird cage mat, likewise and can contain loose seeds and feathers; cat litter box mat collects loose litter as cats leave box, can/dog: pet cage/crate/taxi/bed/pillow/food & water bowls, training mats.

Children

High chair floor mat, finger painting, painting, coloring and drawing, play dough, modeling clay, chalk, flash cards, coin counting, games, puzzles, Lego, erector sets, marbles, paper mache′, models, tinker toys, Lincoln Logs, toys with many pieces, crafts and art, where it is useful for small objects to be contained, fluids need to be contained, and surfaces protected. Kitchens and Households: cutting boards and food preparation trays can be placed within the mat to contain fluids and food crumbs and debris. Additional uses for the mat or tray could be drawer/shelf liners, under floor mat for wet, dirty shoes, or boots, under laundry carts, or machines.

Other Uses

Artists, barber shops, beauticians, bicycle repair, boating, car/truck med mat for plant or gardening debris, computer builders, cosmetics, crafter's, electronics, engineers, florists, hobbies, horticulture/planting/ . . . , kitchen, laundry carts, wet clothes, marine, mechanics, medical, pharmaceutical, tailgating, floor mat holders (protecting floors from dirty shoes or boots), trunk or back car bed liners to protect spill containment, hauling dirt, sports equipment. 

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A one piece rubber/silicone utility mat consisting of a flat open surface, with side short walls that have a width across the top edge around the outer parameter of the mat. A utility mat according to claim 8, allowing the mat to be constructed of many sizes, shapes, and colors for utility purposes in medical, commercial, industrial, and residential where a utility mat is required. A utility mat according to claim 1, allowing the mat to be of a consistency to roll and be inserted within a pet taxi, pet crate, cabinets, refrigerators, or items with an opening allowing the mat curvature to be inserted and lay flat within the structure needing protection.
 9. A utility mat according to claim 8, wherein the structure of the mat is composed of a one piece structure without seams. The exterior and interior side wall next to the mat is a solid one piece, seamless unit affixed to the flat recessed mat. The interior of the utility mat is a recessed one piece mat containing no seams and connected to the side walls. The flat interior section of the mat consists of a material preventing leaking, seepage, absorption of water soluble products from penetrating into the mat, and from penetrating through to the underside of the mat.
 10. A utility mat according to claim 8, prevents the side walls from seepage of fluids, seeds, food, toys, pencils, paint, litter, or any items placed on the surface of mat from rolling off by the elevated side walls restricting and containing items below, or within the height of the side walls. To be used on a flat surface allowing the center of the mat to lay flat keeping contents within the perimeters of the mat. The mat is designed to protect the surface under the mat, like counter tops, cabinets, table tops, floors, rugs, beds, or any area needing protection from the contents contained within the area of the mat. Wherein the structure contains side walls that are elevated around the perimeter of the entire mat containing no seams.
 11. A utility mat according to claim 8, wherein the structure of the side walls, around the exterior perimeter of the mat, is composed of a width to accommodate holes around the entire perimeter of the top edge. Where the top edge of the wall contains small holes centered within the top edge of the side wall. Where the side walls allow for a clamping device to secure paper, training mats, material for drawing, finger painting, material like cheesecloth for pastries, or any need to secure an item for purposes of keeping it stationary on the surface of the mat. Where the holes in the top edge of the wall can allow a wrapping of a cord, string, binding, or any device needed to make a continuous looping around the side wall, like a shoelace, where clips, clamps, or other needed devices can attach to the needed material to be restrained from within the mat to the outer wall.
 12. A utility mat according to claim 8, wherein a one piece rubber/silicone utility mat consisting of a flat internal surface, with the underside edges supporting the mat, through structural support holding the side wall in a vertical position creating a short box like wall on the exterior side of the mat. Where the underside of the side wall is an open, closed, or partly closed/open for the purpose of allowing the holes to be open from the underneath side, to the top edge, centered within the side wall. Where the holes on the top edge of the wall can be used from the underside to thread any device through the hole in the top wall allowing a loop to secure the mat to a fixed item, a pet gate, a pet taxi, a pet crate, bed, cabinet, table, or any place where the mat needs to be secured to a fixed location. The holes on the top edge of the wall can be used from the underside to thread any structural allowing a threading of an eyelet, cylinder, bolt, or any device to be attached for support using the holes for stability of the mat, or structure needing to be stationary on the exterior of the mat.
 13. A utility mat according to claim 8, wherein the structure of material of a rubber/silicone type material allowing the mat to be cleaned by supporting debris, solid small particles, water soluble liquids, by allowing the mat to roll gently from the outer edges toward the center, supported by the exterior short walls containing the contents while removing from the location, like the entrance of a pet taxi, or pet crate. The composition of the mat can be sterilized for use with children, pets, in the medical field, kitchens, or any need where the FDA is required for safety purposes, and sterility
 14. A utility mat according to claim 8, allowing the mobility of the mat to roll and be cleaned in a smaller container such as a sink, tub, or basin. A lightweight mat easy to transport for cleaning, or storing.
 15. A utility mat according to claim 8, that this mat is not intended to protect the surface it is placed on from moisture, mold, or condensation, or any wear from sitting on floors or rugs. This mat is not responsible for mat damage caused by pets, chemicals, children, or any destructive forces that cause damage to the side walls, holes, mat base, or any part of the mat through wear, and usage. The enclosure, or container of a different dimension than the tray or mat.
 16. A utility mat according to claim 8, constructed of a silicone/rubber material allowing the mat to pass through an entry, and egress apertures smaller than the dimensions by slightly rolling, or folding the mat, and passing through the opening to fit flat into the placement where the mat protection is desired, and placed. That provides a stationary placement on the surface it is placed, providing a stationary gripping on solid surface where it is placed. 